Have you been hiking in Tahoe? I am sharing three kid-friendly trails to hike in regions close to Reno: Incline Village, North Lake Tahoe, and Donner Lake, Truckee.
In Reno, we have access to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. Lake Tahoe is so close that you can drive 45 minutes from your home and arrive in Tahoe for an early morning hike and be home for lunch!
Along with these scenic hikes you can do with your family, I’ve also added tips for hiking in the heat!
Note that all hiking trails mentioned are also dog-friendly!
Table of Contents
Here are some trails in the Tahoe area we have done and love!
It is approximately 3-miles and connects southern Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park. This paved out-and-back trail is immaculately maintained, has stunning views and direct access to public beaches and coves.
Tip: Arrive early! If you arrive around 7-8 am, you can avoid the crowds and likely find a parking place easily. Memorial Point is a mid-point to explore the trail; it’s a great starting point if you arrive early.
Note that parking is very limited at Memorial Point. However, there are 90 new parking spots with direct access to the trail available along State Route 28 near Ponderosa Ranch Road.
This is the official start of the trail, look for Tunnel Creek Café and 3 new parking lots.
Exposure: Mostly sun. Can get very hot.
Note: This is a very popular biking route, so watch for bicyclists.
Stateline Fire Lookout hiking trail is located on the California/Nevada border near Crystal Bay. This trail is a moderately steep walk on pavement to the old fire lookout at the top. It is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that has one of the best overlooks of Lake Tahoe.
Once you’re at the top, there are many smaller trails that meander the mountain. The views looking down to the Lake are phenomenal!
Tip: Arrive early! There is limited parking at the trailhead, maybe 6 cars at most. It is tricky to find the trailhead as it’s in a residential neighborhood. You know you’re at the right location when you see the green forest service gate.
Exposure: Mostly sun. Some shade.
This picturesque inland trail is a flat, level trail that meanders 1.2-miles through grasses, wildflowers, granite boulders, pines, and streams. The trailhead is half a mile southwest of the Mt. Rose summit.
Part of the trail is on a raised boardwalk. There are views of the surrounding peaks and Lake Tahoe glittering in the distance.
Tip: Arrive early! You will have to park on the side of Mt. Rose Hwy. (not ideal) so you want to be close to the trailhead.
Signage for this trail is very small and you can easily miss it from the highway. This is a very popular biking trail, so watch for bicyclists.
Exposure: Mostly sun. Can get very hot.
Note: Marshy conditions = mosquitos. Pack bug spray.
193 Kahle Dr, Stateline, NV 89449
Lam Watah Nature Trail leads you directly to to Nevada Beach and is 2.8 miles out and back. Dogs are allowed on a leash and there are restrooms at the beginning of the hike. Free Parking and restrooms are available at the start of the hike.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Donner Lake, Truckee
Donner Lake is located in the town of Truckee, California, and is only a 45-minute drive from Reno!
This popular 3.2-mile loop trail is accessible within Donner Memorial State Park. The trail leads to spectacular views of Donner Lake with direct access to public beaches and coves and loops back through a wooded area.
You can stop by the visitor center and Pioneer Monument. It can be touristy, but it is fun to visit.
Tip: Arrive early! This trail starts within the park entrance so there will be traffic; it then meanders through campgrounds and can get extremely crowded. At certain points along the trail you need to be on the lookout for runners and bicyclists.
Exposure: Sunny in areas but lots of shade.
Note: You will have to pay to park inside Donner Memorial State Park. Peak-Season rates (May 1 – September 30) are $10 per vehicle for the day. Non-Peak-Season rates (October 1 – April 30) are $5 per vehicle for the day.
For an outing away from the crowds, hike this steady but gradual 2.8-mile out-and-back incline that eventually leads up to panoramic views of the area’s peaks.
Follow the signs for Donner Lake Rim Trail as you gain elevation. About 1-mile into the hike (a good rest and turning around point) you will find stunning views of Donner Lake and surrounding mountains.
Exposure: Mostly sun. Can get very hot.
Note: Glacier Way trailhead is located in a residential neighborhood northwest of central Truckee. The entry to the parking lot is located at the corner of Skislope Way and Glacier Way.
This lush and forested trail is a single track 4.5-mile out-and-back trail along Sagehen Creek that winds through woods and wildflowers and ends up in a meadow and ultimately to Stampede Reservoir.
I would not recommend doing the whole route with your child (it’s too long but might work for older children). Less than a mile down the trail you’ll come to Beaver pond. (this can be a good rest and turning around point.)
Exposure: Sunny but many shaded parts.
Note: There are few short sections that are narrow and rocky. There aren’t any signs marking the trailhead but there are usually some cars in the dirt parking lot. Keep your eye on your google map and note there is a sharp turn into the parking area.
Tips for Hiking in Tahoe: Start Early
I’ve mentioned it a lot, but I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get to your trail early. Because of the heat, limited parking, bicyclists, and crowds, you will want to have an early day of it to get the most out of your hike. I’ve found arriving at your destination no later than 8 am works well!
As I’ve written before, as Moms, we are used to packing a diaper bag with an item for every imaginable scenario. So, packing a backpack for hiking is easy! Here’s my basic list:
Brimmed hat: I’ve found REI has a great selection of kids sun hats. You may want to bring a few options for your child!
Stainless steel water bottle: This Ello vacuum insulated water bottle is a great product for my son and is always with me on the trail. (or anytime we leave home!)
Sunscreen: Babyganics makes great products and I always keep sunscreen in my backpack. We apply before we head out on the trail and it’s always with me in case we need to re-apply.
Bandana: Soak a bandana in cold water, squeeze out, and tie around the neck. This provides not only sun protection (in addition to sunscreen) but is nice and cool. Looks cute too!